LS&Co. Unzipped

Jul 16 2010

HIV/AIDS – From the Briefing Room to the Board Room. And Beyond.

Here’s something to think about: Every 9½ minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV.

With wars, economic issues and an oil spill dominating the headlines this summer, it’s not surprising that such HIV/AIDS facts slip off the front pages of newspapers and news websites.

But it’s disturbing to see such a fact now, some 30 years after HIV first captured our attention, especially given that HIV transmission can largely be avoided.
 
This week, I visited the White House to hear President Obama talk about his administration’s new HIV/AIDS Strategy.
 
A quick aside. No matter your politics, being inside this historic residence is an honor. I don’t agree with the president on every issue, but it was interesting to hear him in person, rather than on the evening news. And his ability to transition from casual conversation and handshakes to outlining his strategy on such an important issue – and even take on a guest who attempted to interrupt his speech – is pretty impressive. See the video here.
 
Most of those on hand to hear from the president were from non-governmental organizations, but there were a handful of us from U.S. businesses. And as an employee of a company that has long been a leader in the HIV/AIDS arena, one aspect of the president’s remarks was particularly relevant to me.
 
As the president put it, “…our ability to combat HIV/AIDS doesn’t rest on government alone. It requires companies to contribute funding and expertise to the fight.”
 
It would be easy to say he was referencing pharmaceutical companies or other industries whose business might be directly related to treating or preventing HIV/AIDS, but that’s not the case.
 
HIV/AIDS is an issue for the United States – and the world – as a whole. It doesn’t belong to just one demographic segment or population group. And all companies have employees who are infected or, if not educated, run the risk of infection.

So the idea of encouraging business to get involved, to drive down infection rates and increase treatment and education, rings true to me. And it aligns with a key focus for my company, Levi Strauss & Co. – addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace to ensure access to HIV prevention, treatment and care for our employees and their families.

It goes beyond government and companies, though. Non-governmental organizations clearly play a role, as do faith-based groups. Just as the president is asking each of his cabinet secretaries to address HIV/AIDS, we have to involve all areas of society as a whole. Otherwise, the facts and figures won’t improve.

Did you know more than 14,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the U.S.?

Any time the White House – no matter who’s occupying it – gives attention to this important issue, it can help us make progress in treating and fighting HIV/AIDS. Maybe a few more facts – that might be otherwise overlooked – will capture the media’s attention. And the resulting coverage might cause someone to change his or her behavior and prevent another infection. It might also prompt other companies to step up.
 
With that in mind, I walked away from the White House Tuesday night feeling a little more optimistic.

Posted By: Jill Nash, Senior Vice President, Levi Strauss & Co. Corporate Affairs
	Tags: Levi Strauss & Co.,Social Responsibility

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